Some describe love as butterflies fluttering in the stomach; others, like the adrenaline you feel on a roller coaster, and some more like a cosmic sensation from another planet. All of us, at least once in our lives, have felt the blow of love; yet few know what does a brain in love look like.
Science is in search of its own definition of love. For this, a group of scientists rewinded the evolution of the human being until a few million years ago, when the brain circuits for feelings of attachment were formed.
Analyzing the mind of Using 100 people with a brain scan, experts searched modern minds for signs of these attachment circuits. Beyond romantic love and feelings, certain basic regions in the brain were activated to give rise to that cosmic and inexplicable sensation that we all try to define. For thousands of years this feeling has been discussed in philosophy, and is part of the lyrics of many songs.
This whirlpool that excites our senses, that revolutionizes the heart, that makes our hands sweat or feel an inexplicable peace, is linked to the oxytocin and vasopressin systemwhich is related to feelings of calm and attachment.
This is when we can say that the body is under the effects of a brain in love. Attachment circuits bring out unique sensations when we are in a relationship. This intense energy illuminates and activates the entire dopamine system..
The secret behind the brain in love (in long relationships)
According to a common idea, love diminishes after several years. But apparently we are wrong about this, because when analyzing the brains of couples who had been in a relationship for more than 8 or 17 months, something different was found.
The bond or circuit of attachment is greater. After getting to know them well, the feelings towards that person are transformed into a constant and growing attachment. The erratic and passionate love that she dominates at first passes into the background. Over time, what most affects the love bond is the constant knowledge and learning about the other person.
The attachment to the other person (without falling into the cliché of the better half) will continue to increase as you learn from it.. You may sometimes hate your partner, but science has proven that as long as the attachment system is strengthened, love will remain intact. Knowing this, did it change your perception of your relationship and your idea of love?
Keep reading: The 36 questions to improve intimacy and love (even with strangers)
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